Scimitar-horned Oryx

(Oryx dammah)

Facts

IUCN EXTINCT IN THE WILD (EW)

Facts about this animal

Scimitar-horned oryx are medium sized antelopes weighing up to 150 kg with slender scimitar-shaped horns which may reach 150 cm long. Both sexes are whitish to light brown with a ruddy brown chest, croup and flanks, and brown-grey facial markings, although great individual variation can exist. The calves are light brown with a white abdomen and a black-tipped tail. Their pelage changes to adult colouration at 3 to 12 months old. Before their extinction in the wild scimitar-horned oryx formed small groups of 10-30 individuals, however during their migrations numerous herds joined together to form aggregations of hundreds if not thousands of animals.

Herds consisted of approx. 50:50 sex ratio with a distinct linear hierarchy and a dominant male controlling breeding. Scimitar-horned oryx are primarily grazers but will feed on browse and others plants when grass is not available. They can go for up to 10 months without drinking relying on water rich plants such as the wild melon Colocynthis vulgaris. Mean gestation length is 8-8.5 months with a range of 242 to 300 days. With the post-partum oestus a female oryx can easily produce one calf a year. In zoos the scimitar-horned oryx will live for 18-20 years, but no data are available for longevity in the wild.

Did you know?
that Scimitar-horned oryxes are perfectly adapted to their arid habitat? They have enlarged hooves that do not sink into the sand, pale coats that reflect sunlight and black skin and tip of the tongue that protects against sunburn. Most astonishingly, they can go for up to 10 months without drinking water, obtaining all they need from their food.

In the Zoo

How this animal should be transported

Why do zoos keep this animal

Scimitar-horned oryx are extinct in the wild and rely on ex-situ breeding and reintroduction for the continued survival of the species. They thrive in zoos and appear to adapt reasonably well when returned to their native habitat.